Do people actually need to go to the gym?

Ever since the caveman raised his club to his shoulder and completed the first bicep curl in history, the debate of gym versus the home workout has been rumbling on.

Most of those wishing to begin a new fitness regime always start by asking themselves the question: can I get fit on my own? Do I really need a gym to reach my fitness goals?

To answer these very important questions we need to consider both sides of the equation.

Let’s talk about working out at home.

Yes, there are people who prefer working up a sweat at home for a variety of reasons.

You get some privacy

If you’re the shy, reclusive type who prefers not to talk to others (especially while you're sweating) then gyms might not be for you. At home it might just be you and the dog, wondering why you don’t exercise by chasing a stick.

It’s Convenient

Simply put, you need to GET to the gym. You need to get dressed, get a towel, get your car keys and maybe get stuck in traffic. And, if it’s bucketing down with rain, knowing you don’t have to leave the house to exercise is a plus. We get it.

Gyms have membership fees

It’s true, working out at home doesn’t include the membership fees that gyms have.

A penny saved is a penny earned.

This all sound fabulous, but before you get all excited and purchase something off a late-night infomercial, you need to really think about what your fitness needs are.

Do you actually know what you’re doing?

How much should you invest in equipment? And, do you have space for the equipment in the first place?

Now let’s turn our attention to those who prefer working out at the gym.

Why do they do it? Why do they make the effort to get there, some as early as 6am and others late into the night?

Well, there are a number of reasons.

You’ll be around people

For those of us who work in isolation - at a desk in front of a screen most of the day - the gym can be a great social activity, where you can catch up with, or make new friends. Friends who share similar health and wellness interests as you. And also, don’t forget the power of working out with others, it motivates like nothing else.

You can get support and advice

Some gyms offer a complimentary fitness assessment on your first visit to ensure you have a plan. And at others you’ll do a class where a trainer will oversee your session and offer advice. At the end of the day, the attention you get can accelerate the results you desire.

There’s a wide variety of equipment

The gym provides you with a more comprehensive workout thanks to things like treadmills, elliptical trainers, bikes, swimming pools and every dumbbell, barbell and kettle bell you can imagine.

You can focus

Leave the phone calls, the kids yelling in the background, the washing piling up – leave it all at home. The gym is for working out.

At the end of the day there are many ways to exercise and many places to do it. Yes, you can exercise and be fit without joining a gym at all, and exercising at a gym provides benefits that you cannot get when working out at home.

Motivate yourself or be motivated. Everyone is different - and what will work best, is whatever works best for you.

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